Factory Performance Packages

Hi, all, a newbie here. I am getting a new '06 CTS with the 3.6, a hole in the roof, auto trans and lux package. My question is this: What are the differences, besides the obvious, between the 18" Wheel Performance Package vs. the 17" wheel Sport Package? I realize things like 18" wheels vs. 17" wheels, etc. My main questions are related to items like the Performance Brakes and the Suspension. Since this will mainly be my wife's car, major mods are probably out of the picture here. I have searched and have not been able to find anything on this topic. All help is appreciated.

Re: Factory Performance Packages

Actually there are differences in the brakes between the 17" and 18" models. The 18" pkg has 325mm rotors (about 13 inches) versus 303 for the 17" pkg (about 12 inches). Both have performance brake linings. The other main difference is that the 18" pakage comes with tire pressure monitoring.

Re: Factory Performance Packages

So obviously, other than the fluff appearance paraphanalia, it sounds like the brakes are a worthy item. Based on that alone, is it worth it? And there is mention of a performance suspension. Is that different from the 17" package? Many thanks.

Re: Factory Performance Packages

I believe the suspension is the same between the 17 and 18 packages, but I think only the 18" has rear load leveling shocks (a nice feature when you have a trunk full of stuff or a couple of friends in the back seat). I have an '06 with the 18" pkg and a 6 spd. The other significant diference is the performance level of the tires you get with the 18" pkg. The 18" Bridgestone Potenzas are a far superior tire to the 17" Goodyear RSA's. The only drawback is that these are summer only tires and if you live in snow country (I'm in Ontario Canada) you will need to invest in a set of winter tires as well. I bought a set of 17" Toyos and a set of 17" wheels to go with them.
The brake size is what really clinched it for me as I was fed up with undersized brakes on my last 2 cars (Grand Prix GTs) that needed to have complete rotor replacements at about 40-50,000 miles.

Re: Factory Performance Packages

Originally Posted by Bfegan

I have a 2006 with HID headlights and FE2 shocks... not load leveling. Came from the factory that way.

Something went wrong on your order. The self leveling Nivomat shocks come with the HID headlights. Purpose being so you don't blind on coming cars. There are other advantages to the nivomats like when your hauling extra weight in the back of your car they level your car so you still look cool.

Re: Factory Performance Packages

Thanks, this is the info I am looking for. I agree, the bigger brakes are the way to go. The self-leveling rear shocks are a nice addition as well. Now when I haul some lard butts back there I won't be embarrassed.

Re: Factory Performance Packages

I'm not sure about the 17" sport packge, but the 18" pkg has more rigid sway bars, the STB, IMO the breaks are probably an improvement but not strong enough for how i drive, so i would hate to see the base line ones. i think the tires are good, but again for how i drive i have lost traction a couple of times on asphalt (i like to get my car horizontal if the opportunity arises). Yeah i'm not your typical cadillac owner so i push my car hard and it can hang but for my taste it needs a lil more. Your wife will be a hot mamma in it, sure its perfect for her taste. I just crave a V.

Re: Factory Performance Packages

Even with the 18" wheel package, you still get 225 tires (same as the 17" wheel package and the 16" Luxury package). The big thing is limited slip with the sport package.

I break the rear tires loose all the time with my little 3.2 and 245 tires. I wish I had the LSD like the V. If you like to drive, any of the sport packages is the way to go. You can add 18's of your choice (with the proper width, offset and bigger tires) at any time later.

Re: Factory Performance Packages

the brake rotor sizes do no change between the packages on the cts. the missprint for the brake rotors being larger on the sports package came from the dimensionson of the cts-v rotor being transposed.

Re: Factory Performance Packages

Originally Posted by RobertCTS

Something went wrong on your order. The self leveling Nivomat shocks come with the HID headlights. Purpose being so you don't blind on coming cars. There are other advantages to the nivomats like when your hauling extra weight in the back of your car they level your car so you still look cool.